Materials overview
It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. Combined with tungsten, it becomes a contact material that withstands arcing while conducting well.
It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal, and the highest visible-light reflectance as well.
It is used in contacts, brazing alloys and reflectors, and combined with tungsten it makes switching contacts.
Key Property Values
These are the values engineers check first at the design stage. Actual delivery specifications follow the per-lot test report.
| Item | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 962 °C | A low-melting metal |
| Density g/cm³ | 10.5 | Medium density |
| Thermal conductivity W/m·K | 429 | The highest of any metal |
| Thermal expansion µm/m·K | 18.9 | Relatively large |
| Main form of use | Composite | W-Ag composite |
| Supply grades | 2 | WAg(70:30) · pure Ag |
Figures are representative values. The thermal expansion coefficient is taken from published literature and needs review before release.
Key Advantages
How these figures translate into advantages in actual processes.
The highest electrical conductivity
429 W/m·K thermal conductivity and the lowest electrical resistance there is. It minimizes contact losses.
Low contact resistance
Heating in switching contacts is low and arc damage limited.
Brazing · reflection
The base material for silver brazing alloys and high-reflectance coatings.
Supply Forms · Machining Options
| Form | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wire · Rod stock | On request |
| Sheet · Plate | On request |
| Rod · Bar | On request |
| Custom machined parts | To drawing |
Custom Machining Capability
- Cutting to drawing dimensions · CNC / MCT machining
- Wire EDM · laser machining · welded assemblies
- Forming (bending · deep drawing) and surface treatment
- The same tolerances from a single prototype to full production
